College Pathway
Pathway Spotlight
Words from Coach Carl:
“Riley and a bunch of her friends from Salem High were with me during Covid for small group practices. She always had an excellent work ethic and the coach ability for her to improve and she did that quickly. I would say these are the two most important characteristics to succeed in life, so it is not surprising she has received such a prestigious award. Riley was a dual college athlete, playing soccer and lacrosse, which is such a great achievement in itself!
Riley will go right to the top in whatever career she chooses and I’m so happy BES was able to help shape her to achieve her goals.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“I still remember the first time Charlotte tried out and came to practice. I could see the raw talent and speed that can’t be taught and invited her to come and practice with my top team that at that time you might say was too advanced for her. Each player is different but with Charlotte’s raw unteachable talents, I wanted to put her way out of her comfort zone so she could grow as a player and a person. What she has achieved and continues to achieve has impressed me so much. I love watching her play and it makes me so proud when she’s scoring headers and clearing crosses with her head as I remember how afraid she was to head it at the beginning.
Another thing that impresses me is her adaptation to now playing Center back from always being a winger/ striker. She has managed to fall into that position seamlessly which I like to think the BES philosophy has allowed her to do that and play at the highest D1 Collegiate level.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“It was a pleasure to see Adrianna play in her final D1 College game at Merrimack College. Her senior night! They ended up losing 3-1 to a really talented and well coached nationally ranked team but Adrianna and her teammates had a great game and were up 1-0 at the half.
I’ve known Adrianna since she was probably 10/11-year-olds, where she would volunteer to help out my team that was short on players and she would attend a camp that I ran at Brewster Academy but apart from that never really worked closely with her. It wasn’t until covid that we started to do some one on ones and some small groups that I started to work with her on a regular basis. At first, she hated it and probably me as she couldn’t do a lot of the juggling and other things and I remember a lot of tears but to my surprise she kept coming back and as ever with practice, she started to see success.
It was during this time that the ‘penny dropped’ that practicing with her team twice a week, wasn’t enough and that she needed to practice on her own as she had made the decision that she wanted to play in college. For the next two years, you’d see her with a ball at her feet, in her garden or with a bag of balls down at Soule school in Salem, running drills on her own and she’d also be in the gym regularly too. In those two years, she transformed herself from maybe a D3 college player to a D1 College player at Merrimack where she had four amazing years with friendships and experiences she and her family will never forget.
A shoutout to Mum and Dad for supporting her and probably pushing her to come back in those early years and I know rarely (if ever) missed a game! Congratulations Adrianna, not many people can say they were a 4-year D1 Collegiate Athlete. Enjoy the rest of your time there, get the grades you need to and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“Big congratulations to Jillian Caruso on her commitment to Anna Maria College to continue her academic and athletic journey at the NCAA Division III level!
Jillian has been a key part of our program—her work ethic, leadership, and tenacity on the field have always stood out. We couldn’t be more proud of her and can’t wait to see what she does next in college soccer!
Well deserved, Jillian. Keep going.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“Jude was a pleasure to coach and I’m happy to hear we had a positive impact on his pathway to College. Jude was with us from the start and he had a positive impact on BES as he and his teammates helped shape and grow the club.
Jude came a quiet, shy, “nice” player but left a proper Center midfielder that was physical and brave on and off the ball. Jude always gave his all and more. He put in extra work doing private lessons and got himself into great soccer shape where he was able to get more success. I’m not surprised Jude has been recruited to play in college because he was a hard worker and when you work hard, anything is possible.
Good luck Jude and I hope to catch a college game of yours.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“I’ve worked with Leah for many years and I still remember her first tryout years ago as a 9 year old and her blowing everyone away with her talent for such a petite girl. Leah was destined to play College Soccer from the get go and has always been a pleasure to work with. I always use her as an example to all my players who will often show up with a deflated soccer ball as Leah would always turn up with a pumped-up soccer ball and would juggle while she waited for the session to begin.
Most importantly Leah is a lovely young lady; kind, polite and a great teammate. I’m hoping her injuries are behind her now as she deserves to be able to do what she loves and I can’t wait to bring the whole club to see her play for Rivier University. Congratulations Leah Morrier and thanks for letting me be a part of your soccer journey.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“From Methuen to NCAA DIII!
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Lukas Dambauskas has officially committed to Curry College to continue his academic and soccer journey!
Lukas has been a standout both on and off the field—captaining his high school squad to a 16-game unbeaten run and growing into a leader within our BES family since day one.
Congratulations, Lukas! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see what’s next.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“A really proud moment to receive the call from former player Owen Mello that he had accepted a D1 College position. I was Owen's coach in the early years where we experienced some unforgettable moments including a tour of England. Soon after he got scouted to play Academy which he supplemented with private lessons with BES.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer
Words from Coach Carl:
“Well done to Hailee Pickles who wanted to put in the hard work during this Christmas break. Hailee was a Freshman in college and struggled for game time in the Fall but she knew she’d get an opportunity in Spring to grab a starting spot for the Fall of 2024! The only thing she can do is control what can be controlled and work hard while most will be on the sofa.
It was also a pleasure to share a field with Hailee in our Xmas Adult Coed tournament where she was solid as a rock at the back and was influential in the teams 1st place finish!
Good Luck Hailee, we’ll be following you and you know where we are if you want to keep sharpening those tools.”
- Coach Carl Ashley
Become Elite Soccer